Flying more than 10% of Switzerland’s greenhouse gas

Overall, Switzerland’s greenhouse gas emissions were nearly 10% lower in 2016 than they were in 1990. However, the trend in flight emissions was the opposite, rising by 68% since 1990.

The 10.7% share of greenhouse gas attributed to international flights in Switzerland in 2016 was less than that from cars (23.5%), industry (10.3%), industrial processes (8.5%), households (18.4%) and agriculture (12.4%), but higher than those from trucks (3.7%), burning waste to generate electricity (4.4%) and disposal of other rubbish (1.6%).

Aviation’s share of emissions is relatively high in Switzerland compared to the rest of the world. Figures from the European Commission show a world average of 2% and an EU average of 3%.